The crack was said to have echoed throughout the arena. Seconds after, it was clear something was very wrong.
French gymnast Samir Ait Said’s left leg snapped on Saturday as it hit the ground following his vault attempt during a men’s gymnastics qualification session in Rio. The bone did not break through the skin, but the 26-year-old’s limb was clearly bent outward several inches below the knee.
Medical professionals soon arrived and stabilized the injury, according to USA Today. Before leaving the arena, Ait Said raised a hand to the crowd. His teammates were visibly upset.
“It’s very, very difficult,” teammate Cyril Tommasone reportedly said afterwards on competing after witnessing the injury. “But we wanted to finish the competition for him and for us.”
Ait Said was a favorite to make the final in the still rings before his injury, according to NBC. “His Olympics are likely over,” they added. Uh, yeah. You can pretty safely take out the word “likely” there.
Below are some photos of the injury and its aftermath. Again, do not look if you do not want to be grossed out.
